Description
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with flavor and nutrition. This one-pot meal features tender white beans, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It’s the perfect recipe for cozy evenings or a satisfying lunch that feels both rustic and gourmet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans of white beans, drained and rinsed (e.g., cannellini or great northern beans)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water (optional, for thinner soup)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar, for brightness
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add the white beans, vegetable broth, water (if using), diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Blend for Texture (Optional)
- Remove the bay leaf. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, or transfer 1-2 cups to a blender, then return it to the pot.
Step 4: Add Greens and Brighten
- Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Add the lemon juice or vinegar, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Substitute fresh thyme and rosemary if available for a more aromatic soup.
- Make it Hearty: Add diced potatoes or cooked pasta for an even more filling version.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for extra richness.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American